The criminal justice system needs to regain rape victims’ trust
4 years, 5 months ago

The criminal justice system needs to regain rape victims’ trust

The Independent  

Prosecutors have announced new guidance on charging alleged rapes and sexual offences that they say will enable more “fair and effective decisions to make sure justice is delivered”. But with only 1.4 per cent of recorded rapes currently prosecuted, it will take significant changes to restore victims’ trust in the criminal justice system. Last year’s London Rape Review found that the most common reasons for victims withdrawing were “stress and trauma caused or exacerbated by the investigation”, a desire to move on from the rape and concerns for their own safety. Dame Vera Baird added: “Survivors want to be treated sensitively, fairly, respectfully, to be believed, but also for criminal justice system professionals to better understand trauma, provide clear and timely information, and to offer better access to support services. And on all of these fronts, the justice system has been found wanting.” Time will tell whether the new CPS charging guidance will increase the number of rape cases being prosecuted.

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History of this topic

UK police able to solve only one in 10 cases of violent and sexual crimes: Report
2 months, 2 weeks ago

UK police able to solve only one in 10 cases of violent and sexual crimes: Report

Firstpost  

Data from the Crown Prosecution Service shows that the number of alleged rape victims withdrawing from prosecutions before trial has more than doubled in the past five years. Fewer than one in 10 cases involving the most severe violent and sexual offences were resolved in hundreds of crime hotspots across England and Wales in 2024, British media reported on Monday. …

We must fix our broken legal system to help protect women from assault
4 months, 2 weeks ago

We must fix our broken legal system to help protect women from assault

The Independent  

When I started as a barrister over 45 years ago, the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1976 had just come into force, but there was little understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse, sexual abuse and rape. Women and girls need to know that they can trust the police when reporting abuse, and faith needs to be restored in …

We must reform the ecosystem which enables rape
6 months, 1 week ago

We must reform the ecosystem which enables rape

Hindustan Times  

Twelve years ago, the heinous Delhi gang rape shocked the nation. A significant number of sexual crimes, including harassment and abuse of domestic workers to the trafficking of children for forced labour and slavery, are commercial in nature, but the legal response remains inadequate. Society’s apathy towards sexual crime fuels an ecosystem of inaction leaving rapists feeling powerful and the …

More trauma for rape victims as court backlog doubles in two years due to lawyer shortage
9 months, 3 weeks ago

More trauma for rape victims as court backlog doubles in two years due to lawyer shortage

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Court backlogs for …

Rape suspects released on bail as not enough solicitors to represent them
1 year, 5 months ago

Rape suspects released on bail as not enough solicitors to represent them

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sir Bob Neill, senior Tory MP and chair of the …

Rape conviction rates are dismal – it’s no wonder women have lost hope
1 year, 5 months ago

Rape conviction rates are dismal – it’s no wonder women have lost hope

The Independent  

For many rape survivors, Emily Hunt was a symbol of hope. In a statement, Hunt, who is originally from New York, said she had “decided to walk away from the role” as she felt there was a lack of will to change how the police approach rape, adding that: “I don’t think I could ever report a crime to the …

Government rape adviser quits over ‘lack of will’ to change at high levels
1 year, 5 months ago

Government rape adviser quits over ‘lack of will’ to change at high levels

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Government’s rape adviser has quit claiming there is a …

How do we make the justice system better for victims? This report offers some solutions
1 year, 7 months ago

How do we make the justice system better for victims? This report offers some solutions

ABC  

Supportive, respectful responses from a consistent team of detectives, legal professionals and support workers are key to ensuring victims don't have a negative and traumatising experience seeking justice, according to a new report being handed to NSW authorities on Monday. Key points: The study is the first of its kind in 27 years, and includes a range of solutions to …

Centre announces scheme for minor rape victims
1 year, 8 months ago

Centre announces scheme for minor rape victims

The Hindu  

Recognising the trauma faced by minor rape victims, the government has decided to provide medical, financial and infrastructural support to victims in cases where the sexual assault results in pregnancies. “We have additionally leveraged the administrative structure of Mission Vatsalya in collaboration with State governments and Child Care institutions to actualise this support to minor victims,” Union Minister for Women …

Rape victims to be offered CPS meeting after not guilty pleas
1 year, 9 months ago

Rape victims to be offered CPS meeting after not guilty pleas

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rape victims will be given the opportunity to meet face-to-face …

Sex assault survivors suffer ‘devastating’ crown courts backlog impact – report
2 years ago

Sex assault survivors suffer ‘devastating’ crown courts backlog impact – report

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rape and sexual abuse victims are suffering from the “disastrous …

Rape victims should not be left ‘traumatised’ by brutal court questioning, CPS chief says
2 years, 2 months ago

Rape victims should not be left ‘traumatised’ by brutal court questioning, CPS chief says

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I just kept saying ‘no’, I was crying.” Claire Waxman, the London Victims’ Commissioner, called Alison’s …

Dec 16 horror: How courts, cops dealt with rapes since 2012
2 years, 3 months ago

Dec 16 horror: How courts, cops dealt with rapes since 2012

Hindustan Times  

December 16 marks 10 years of the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student in Delhi. Rape cases in India saw a sudden jump in 2013 and many believed this was the result of better reporting in the aftermath of the protests that followed the December 16 case. CII also gives information on the filing of charges …

Report into handling of rape cases finds ‘explicit victim blaming’ and disbelief
2 years, 3 months ago

Report into handling of rape cases finds ‘explicit victim blaming’ and disbelief

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An independent report has found evidence of police putting disproportionate …

Government claims ‘significant progress’ on rape response, as case backlog rises
2 years, 3 months ago

Government claims ‘significant progress’ on rape response, as case backlog rises

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy “Significant progress” is being made in how the criminal justice …

I work with rape survivors who will be hugely affected by barristers walking out – but I agree with their reasons for striking
2 years, 6 months ago

I work with rape survivors who will be hugely affected by barristers walking out – but I agree with their reasons for striking

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Survivors who almost never see justice, …

Police threatened with fines for unlawfully seizing rape victims’ personal information
2 years, 9 months ago

Police threatened with fines for unlawfully seizing rape victims’ personal information

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Police investigative practices for rape and serious sexual offences are overly intrusive, overly information …

New CPS guidance ‘will deter rape victims from seeking therapy’, campaign groups warn
2 years, 10 months ago

New CPS guidance ‘will deter rape victims from seeking therapy’, campaign groups warn

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This is because the guidance “increases the likelihood” that victims’ private therapy notes will be accessed …

Call for Government to show ‘more ambition’ in tackling low rape prosecutions
2 years, 11 months ago

Call for Government to show ‘more ambition’ in tackling low rape prosecutions

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Government needs “much more ambition and focus” to tackle …

Failure to prosecute rapists ‘letting dangerous perpetrators go free’
3 years, 1 month ago

Failure to prosecute rapists ‘letting dangerous perpetrators go free’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. They said there were many dedicated and hardworking police …

Only 6% of all crimes result in charge, as rape prosecutions hit record low
3 years, 2 months ago

Only 6% of all crimes result in charge, as rape prosecutions hit record low

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The highest ever number of total sex offences was also recorded –170,97 – a 12 per …

Rape victims ‘lucky’ if their case gets to court within four years, MPs told
3 years, 3 months ago

Rape victims ‘lucky’ if their case gets to court within four years, MPs told

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Record number of rapes reported to police in a year, crime figures show
3 years, 4 months ago

Record number of rapes reported to police in a year, crime figures show

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Rape accounted for 37 per cent of all sexual offences recorded by the police,” it said …

‘Dangerous people going free’ as police and prosecutors unable to meet demand of rape cases
3 years, 8 months ago

‘Dangerous people going free’ as police and prosecutors unable to meet demand of rape cases

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It can mean that dangerous people remain free and …

Rape survivor says government’s review doesn’t go far enough and historical cases must be reopened
3 years, 9 months ago

Rape survivor says government’s review doesn’t go far enough and historical cases must be reopened

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A rape survivor whose case …

If the government wants to increase rape prosecutions it needs to actually listen to survivors
3 years, 9 months ago

If the government wants to increase rape prosecutions it needs to actually listen to survivors

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This week …

‘We are deeply ashamed’: Government apologises to the thousands of rape victims who have ‘gone without justice’
3 years, 9 months ago

‘We are deeply ashamed’: Government apologises to the thousands of rape victims who have ‘gone without justice’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Amelia Handy, the policy lead for Rape Crisis, said it had taken part in …

It sometimes feels as if rape has been decriminalised – and no, I’m not exaggerating
3 years, 9 months ago

It sometimes feels as if rape has been decriminalised – and no, I’m not exaggerating

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Home Office …

Rape victims ‘should be allowed to give video evidence before trial’
3 years, 10 months ago

Rape victims ‘should be allowed to give video evidence before trial’

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rape victims should be able to pre-record video evidence before their trial …

Abusers are getting away with rape – and the Crown Prosecution Service is helping them do it
4 years, 2 months ago

Abusers are getting away with rape – and the Crown Prosecution Service is helping them do it

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A judicial review, mounted against the …

‘Unlawful’ changes to policy on rape cases led to drop in prosecutions, court told
4 years, 2 months ago

‘Unlawful’ changes to policy on rape cases led to drop in prosecutions, court told

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy “Unlawful” changes to rape prosecution …

‘Failures embolden serial rapists’: Police and courts plagued with ‘rape myths as convictions remain low’
4 years, 3 months ago

‘Failures embolden serial rapists’: Police and courts plagued with ‘rape myths as convictions remain low’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Women’s Justice, who was involved in the …

De-politicising Police & Bureaucracy Need of the Hour: MHA Parl Committee in Meeting on Crimes against Women
4 years, 5 months ago

De-politicising Police & Bureaucracy Need of the Hour: MHA Parl Committee in Meeting on Crimes against Women

News 18  

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee for Home Affairs on Tuesday met under the chairmanship of Anand Sharma to seek views of the Ministry of Home Affairs on atrocities and crimes against women. When asked whether alcohol consumption, especially that of country-made liquor, led to such crimes, Home Ministry officials said that in most cases the accused was either drunk or …

Prosecutors told to ignore ‘new rape myths’ over dating apps and sexting after charges hit record low
4 years, 5 months ago

Prosecutors told to ignore ‘new rape myths’ over dating apps and sexting after charges hit record low

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Prosecutors have been ordered to disregard “new rape myths” including claims that …

Rape victims 'denied justice' as convictions fall to record low
4 years, 7 months ago

Rape victims 'denied justice' as convictions fall to record low

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rape victims are being “denied …

Restrictions on therapy for rape victims before trials to be reversed
4 years, 7 months ago

Restrictions on therapy for rape victims before trials to be reversed

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Crown Prosecution Service guidance released in 2002 said that evidence could be “tainted” if victims discussed …

‘We are witnessing the decriminalisation of rape,’ warns victims’ commissioner
4 years, 8 months ago

‘We are witnessing the decriminalisation of rape,’ warns victims’ commissioner

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The victims’ commissioner for England and Wales has warned that “we are …

‘Overwhelming majority’ of rapists going free because of collapse in prosecutions, campaigners warn
4 years, 8 months ago

‘Overwhelming majority’ of rapists going free because of collapse in prosecutions, campaigners warn

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The End Violence Against Women Coalition accused the CPS of dropping a “merits-based approach” credited with …

Why do so few rapes result in a conviction?
4 years, 10 months ago

Why do so few rapes result in a conviction?

Al Jazeera  

The MeToo movement sparked a rise in reports to police, but convictions remain three times lower than for other crimes. These already highly nuanced decisions are further influenced by stereotypes still prevalent even in our more enlightened contemporary society: that a drunk woman cannot complain if she is raped; that previous consensual sexual activity between the parties reduces or removes …

High Court refuses permission for legal challenge over falling rape prosecutions
5 years ago

High Court refuses permission for legal challenge over falling rape prosecutions

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. At a High Court hearing on Tuesday, lawyers representing EVAW asked senior judges to allow a …

Few rape cases are reported and even fewer make it to court: AD
5 years, 1 month ago

Few rape cases are reported and even fewer make it to court: AD

Dutch News  

Just 37% of rape reports made to the police in the first nine months of last year actually led to a formal complaint, the AD reported on Tuesday. In total, 172 cases went to court in the first nine months of last year and the suspect was found guilty of rape in 102 cases. The fact that almost two-thirds of …

Few rape cases are reported and even fewer make it to court: AD
5 years, 1 month ago

Few rape cases are reported and even fewer make it to court: AD

Dutch News  

Just 37% of rape reports made to the police in the first nine months of last year actually led to a formal complaint, the AD reported on Tuesday. In total, 172 cases went to court in the first nine months of last year and the suspect was found guilty of rape in 102 cases. The fact that almost two-thirds of …

How can we reform the criminal justice system to protect rape victims?
5 years, 1 month ago

How can we reform the criminal justice system to protect rape victims?

The Independent  

Rape is once again dominating the headlines in the UK. And why bother, when the likelihood that it will end in conviction is so low?” It is a worrying trend that has open image in gallery Alex Salmond, who will face trial this year for alleged sexual assault and rape, leaves court in November Meanwhile, Lucy*, a nurse whose rape …

Tory budget cuts driving down rape prosecutions, watchdog suggests
5 years, 3 months ago

Tory budget cuts driving down rape prosecutions, watchdog suggests

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Government cuts could be driving down rape prosecutions after leaving the criminal …

Rape victims who had cases dropped could demand review over 'secret prosecution targets'
5 years, 4 months ago

Rape victims who had cases dropped could demand review over 'secret prosecution targets'

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rape victims whose alleged attackers were not prosecuted could have their cases …

Rape ‘decriminalised’ as only 1.4% of reported attacks prosecuted in England and Wales
5 years, 5 months ago

Rape ‘decriminalised’ as only 1.4% of reported attacks prosecuted in England and Wales

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Authorities have been accused of “decriminalising” sex attacks after official statistics showed …

Legal challenge launched against CPS over plummeting rape prosecutions
5 years, 6 months ago

Legal challenge launched against CPS over plummeting rape prosecutions

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A legal challenge has been lodged against the Crown Prosecution Service over …

Rape cases to be reviewed by government after ‘alarming’ drop in prosecutions
5 years, 6 months ago

Rape cases to be reviewed by government after ‘alarming’ drop in prosecutions

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Officials said a “cross-sector, end-to-end review into how rape and sexual violence cases are handled across …

Only 1.7% of reported rapes prosecuted in England and Wales, new figures show
5 years, 6 months ago

Only 1.7% of reported rapes prosecuted in England and Wales, new figures show

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “These figures are further evidence …

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